Illinois State Police
News Release

Chicago – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials participated for the first time in the Salvation Army’s Annual Holiday Red Kettle Campaign.

Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau, First Deputy Director Greg Muller and Chief of Staff Brian Ley, stood outside Macy’s on State Street in Chicago and rang a kettle bell to help support the Salvation Army’s mission to raise money for those in need.

This Salvation Army’s kettle program, which has been in existence since 1891, is one of the most recognizable charitable campaigns in the United States. Annually, Salvation Army workers and volunteers ring kettle bells across the country during the holiday season to help raise awareness and money for those who are less fortunate. In 2011, the campaign raised $147.6 million nationwide and these funds helped the Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to 30 million Americans in need.

“The Salvation Army is an honorable organization and the ISP is pleased to participate in this worthwhile cause,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “The men and women of the ISP are committed to serving the citizens of Illinois. Giving back to the community we serve is just another way we can help fulfill our mission during the holiday season,” added Grau.

In addition to giving to traditional kettles, supporters can also make donations online through the Salvation Army's Online Red Kettles at http://www.onlineredkettle.org/ or the text-to-give program. In addition, through December 24, donors can text the word "GIVE" to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle Campaign.